Man Killed by Albert Lea Police Identified

Albert Lea, MN (KROC-AM News) - Authorities have identified the man killed in a police shooting in Albert Lea and the veteran officers involved in the deadly incident Thursday morning.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says 27-year-old Joseph Alan Roberts died of multiple gunshot wounds suffered during a confrontation with three Albert Lea officers who responded to a 911 call about a disturbance involving the Albert Lea man in a residence at 327 Court Street around 10 AM. He had left the home by the time the officers arrived at the scene but was apparently spotted and pursued down an alley behind the property.

At some point in the foot chase, Officer Jason Taylor suffered what was termed a sharp force injury. He responded by deploying a chemical irritant and his taser, while the two other officers opened fire and fatally shot Roberts, who died at the scene despite the life-saving measures taken by the officers before emergency medical personnel arrived. Officer Taylor was treated at the scene for his injuries and the BCA report notes investigators recovered a knife at the location of the shooting.

The officers who discharged their firearms were identified as Lieutenant Darin Palmer and Officer Jesus Cantu. He has served on the Albert Lea Police Department for 20-years, while both Lieutenant Palmer and Officer Taylor are 18-year veterans. All three have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The nature of the disturbance that prompted the police response has not been disclosed.